(AP) PHILADELPHIA - A Roman Catholic church official was convicted Friday of child endangerment but acquitted of conspiracy in a groundbreaking clergy-abuse trial, becoming the first U.S. church official convicted of a crime for how he handled abuse claims.
Monsignor William Lynn helped the archdiocese keep predators in ministry, and the public in the dark, by telling parishes their priest was being removed for health reasons and then sending the men to unsuspecting churches, prosecutors said.
Lynn, 61, had faced about 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted of all three counts he faced — conspiracy and two counts of child endangerment. He was convicted only on one of the endangerment counts, leaving him with the possibility of 3 1/2 to seven years in prison.
Not every priest or church worker is a child abuser or pedophile, but when it happens, neither the religious institution nor the public should become a cover for these sick people. Sadly, he will not go to jail. Guaranteed, probation and/or community service.
The Catholic church in Philly has enormous power. I m not surprised, First hand experience with this arch diocese, and they are mostly scum. Power mongering garbage.
